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Before we get going- YES, this machine has been restored so if that's not your thing, thanks for stopping by.
That said- it's been restored correctly- e.g., not over- restored with a glaringly glossy finish, etc. In my opinion it's about as close as what you'd have come home from the Victor dealer with in about 1908.
As you can see, the wood and plating are great. All 3 main springs were recently replaced along with the governor springs. Everything is aligned and tuned 'just so', the machine runs incredibly whisper quiet (for a V)with no untoward thumps or other noises, and zero speed variation. Synthetic Redline grease mixed with synthetic Redline auto trans fluid give the spring motor a flowable grease that keeps the works well lubed.
The bundle includes the original black/ brass horn as well as a beautiful Eduardo of Peru speartip. The speartip horn matches the machine in color and sheen perfectly.
The Long cabinet was refinished to be a very close match. In artificial light it looks an exact match; in sunlight somewhat lighter. One leg of the cabinet has an old break that's been repaired and blends well. The close up of it exaggerates it quite a lot. Yeah, the decal inside was refinished to a 1980s standard long ago... so sue me. It looks not as bad in person.
Included with this bundle are FOUR reproducers, all of which have been rebuilt including isolators where applicable:
Victor "Exhibition"- triangular hole
Victrola #4- in BRASS- for electrical recordings
Pathé adapter reproducer with NOS stylus, screw on stylus protector, and hatbox
Vicsonia for Edison Diamond Discs that I upgraded to a mica diaphragm with a stiff wire link as the original sounded like mush. This improved fidelity and clarity greatly but volume could be better- it's about 75% as loud as the others but really sounds great.
You also get some Victor reprint booklets, an original Victor oil bottle with its little box, and a "volume control"- a "Mello Tone Horn Mute" attachment. A previous owner designed a felt collar to help seal it better in the horn and it works and looks great.
The machine sounds superb even on modern electrical recordings with the Brass Victrola No.4 and has plenty of torque to handle multiple very loud 12" records on a winding with no variations. I think it sounds on par with an Orthophonic or Viva Tonal tabletop.
The one part that's glaringly reproduction is the aluminum horn elbow, which was my choice as I preferred the robust construction over thin plated originals for the oak horn.
This machine is worthy of any fine living room or parlor while being robust enough for everyday use and pleasant to listen to, even for the digital sound handicapped.
I'll include 5 packs of RCA Victor Chromium needles, 6 per pack, good for about 50 plays each with fantastic fidelity.
Of course, I'm also willing to hold the machine for up to a year (with prepayment) so that it can be transported to a show on the Jerry B Express line.
